League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	James Hellmold Answers Questions Candidate for Sheriff; County of Los Angeles

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What can the Sheriff do to deal more effectively with mentally ill prisoners incarcerated in County jail?

As Sheriff, I will direct the mentally ill and low level offenders away from jails and into proper care facilities with qualified staff. This is a more humane and effective way to care for the mentally ill, and is also a more prudent use of County resources.

2. What can be done to reduce recidivism, and specifically how would you work with outside organizations to achieve rehabilitation goals set but not yet carried out?

Expand the use of Education Based Incarceration to develop life skills, anger management, substance abuse, and parenting classes while inmates are in jail. Local churches, synagogues, and community organizations should be organized to assist with community transition to ensure development continues and the cycle of crime stops as inmates leave the jails and enter our communities.

3. What steps do you feel should be taken to correct the problems of brutality that have been identified with the County jails?

After the allegations of misconduct in the jails, I was brought in to work with the Jail Commission to implement reforms. We identified and addressed anyone involved in misconduct or brutality to stop the problem. We also developed policies, supervision, and training to ensure future success, with proper oversight and inspections to keep a watchful eye. All of these steps, combined with installation of video cameras throughout the jail facilities has resulted in a much safer and cleaner jail environment.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 1, 2014 18:04
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